Bill Simmons, who was fired by ESPN in 2015, has clashed with the network several times before and after his termination. It shouldn’t be surprising, then, that he took another shot at his former employer Thursday night when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sat down for an interview with ESPN’s Chris Berman shortly before the start of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Simmons, as he has done in the past, spoke out on Twitter about ESPN’s handling of Goodell, suggesting Thursday’s interview was too soft. The NFL has been involved in several controversial issues, yet, according to Simmons’ sarcastic tweets, those topics weren’t properly addressed.
Another grueling interview on ESPN for Goodell.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) April 28, 2016
I was really hoping Berman would ask Goodell about the future locations of the Pro Bowl and the Draft, I was on the edge of my seat.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) April 28, 2016
"Roger – you spent 20 million to legally prove that you could make any decision you want, no matter how dumb it is. This has to feel good."
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) April 28, 2016
"Roger, I know St. Louis lost its football team and Oakland and San Diego are next… but wher do you think the Pro Bowl ends up?"
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) April 28, 2016
Simmons, a huge New England Patriots fan, has been very critical of ESPN’s Deflategate coverage, so the lack of attention paid to Tom Brady’s reinstated four-game suspension during Goodell’s draft-night interview probably didn’t sit well with the Massachusetts native.
Simmons also has accused ESPN of throwing softballs before, as he ripped “Mike and Mike” co-hosts Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg in March for failing to ask tough questions while interviewing Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino, whose program has been the subject of a sex scandal in recent months.
Simply put, the rivalry lives. And it’s rather entertaining.
Thumbnail photo via Kamil Krzaczynski/USA TODAY Sports Images
